Treatment of weep hole

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this system is twofold. First, to slow or virtually eliminate weep holes in retaining walls and other structures from clogging. Secondly, to prevent aggregate/soil from escaping from backfill material behind the structure. When placed between the structure&#39;s weep hole and backfill material, it provides a combination of stabilization and filtration. It utilizes materials commercially available, but combines them in a unique fashion. This system is more robust than any of the separate components.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] REFERENCES CITED Patent No. Date Inventor 6308473 October, 2001 Auck 6145255 November, 2000 Allaster 5996289 December, 1999 Allaster 5960595 October, 1999 McCorseley III, et al. 5902432 May, 1999 Coulton, et al. 5673521 October, 1997 Coulton, et al. 5425672 June, 1995 Rotter 5238450 August, 1993 Rotter 5167579 December, 1992 Rotter 4212692 July, 1980 Rasen, et al.

[0002] The above patents are cited because they make reference to either a synthetic, randomly aligned synthetic fibers or a similarly described mat. While used in an unrelated capacity, a type of the material described is a component of this system.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0003] Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING ETC

[0004] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Culverts and retaining walls often have weep holes built in them during construction. The main function of a weep hole (as used in is this context) is to allow the free flow of water, thereby reducing hydrostatic pressure. Two problems often occur. The first is that the weep holes clog, preventing the flow of water. The second is that aggregate/soil is allowed to pass through the weep hole and not properly retained. Loss of this material permits a void to form behind the structure, allowing the surface above the void to settle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Two problems often occur. The first is that the weep holes clog, preventing the flow of water. The second is that aggregate/soil is allowed to pass through the weep hole and not properly retained. Loss of this material permits a void to form behind the structure, allowing the surface above the void to settle. Loss of material also causes degradation of water quality due to increasing turbidity. This invention solves both problems. This system helps to prevent clogging by the staggering effect provided by the different layers constituting the invention. The hardware cloth and synthetic fiber matting prevent larger particles from passing through, while the geotextile retains the smaller particles, thus preventing the formation of a void. The geotextile used is referenced to American Association Of State Highway And Transportation Officials specification M288 (AASHTO M288). This specification lists the physical requirements for geotextiles used in transportation applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0007] Two drawings are included. FIG. 1 of 2 depicts a front view of the system, showing the system as would appear in actual use. It also depicts the location of section A-A, as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 of 2 depicts section A-A. This is a cross-section of the system, including a brief description of individual components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0008] This system, somewhat flat, is composed of four layers: a layer of hardware cloth (galvanized, polymeric or similarly coated to slow/prevent deterioration), geotextile (meeting the requirements for subsurface drainage shown in American Association Of State Highway And Transportation Officials specification M288 (AASHTO M288), a synthetic fiber mesh or matting and another layer of hardware cloth. This system, with the geotextile placed next to the weep hole, covers the hole. All four layers are held together are held together by wire or other similar means and act as a system. This system is centered over the weep hole and attached to the structure by a conventional construction adhesive or other similar means until backfill is placed. The system can vary in size, as weep holes may vary considerably. A system, approximately twelve inches square, should handle a wide variety of conditions. 

I claim:
 1. A system designed for weep holes in culverts, retaining walls and similar structures, to slow clogging and to prevent aggregate/soil from escaping from the backfill material.
 2. According to claim 1, this system permits the free flow of water, while reducing hydrostatic pressure and retaining aggregate/soil particles. Clogging allows the buildup of water. Loss of soil/aggregate can lead eventual settling of the surface directly above or near the weep hole and degradation of water quality due to increasing turbidity.
 3. According to claim 1, this system can be used to prevent the loss of aggregate/soil from backfill materials between joints in materials that are not watertight, such as joints in underground pipes. 